In his 2020 campaign, Joe Biden pledged to reverse Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly expressing frustration with a policy restricting asylum seekers at the southern border. This year, Biden supported a Senate proposal for daily border crossing limits, with Democrats planning to blame Republicans for its collapse. Democrats are shifting the immigration debate, advocating for tough border security alongside increased legal pathways, a strategy evident in Tom Suozzi’s win in a New York special election. Suozzi’s stance aligns with Biden’s on creating a path to citizenship for “Dreamers.”
While some worry about alienating immigrant supporters, others, like Rep. Adriano Espaillat, believe Biden’s approach is preferable to a potential Trump return. However, many immigrant advocates oppose Biden’s deal with the Senate, criticizing the curtailment of asylum in exchange for Ukraine aid. Julián Castro and others argue that Democrats adopting Republican rhetoric won’t lead to meaningful progress.
The proposed border deal would have provided legal counsel for vulnerable asylum seekers and increased immigrant visas, with support from the National Border Patrol Council and the Chamber of Commerce. Despite criticism, Biden’s campaign asserts his commitment to addressing immigration issues and blames MAGA Republicans for obstructing progress.
Interviews in Nevada reveal Democratic support for Biden’s approach, emphasizing the need for border security alongside broader immigration reforms. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto stresses the importance of an orderly border process while pushing for comprehensive immigration reform. She criticizes Republicans for obstructing progress and exploiting the issue for political gain.
Michael Kagan argues that Biden’s shift to the right risks political backlash, as it adopts Trump’s framing of success in immigration policy. However, some, like Gabriel Aldebot, see compromise and bipartisan efforts as necessary for effective border security.
In summary, Biden’s immigration strategy aims to balance border security with comprehensive reform, facing criticism from some advocates but garnering support from Democrats in critical swing states like Nevada.
